Raleigh residents see polarization in monument vandalism

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Raleigh, N.C. — State workers did their best Tuesday to remove spray-painted messages left on a Confederate monument at the State Capitol and three other nearby buildings.

Police think the same person or persons is responsible for the graffiti, which stirred again the divide over Confederate monuments in the South.

The Confederate Women's Monument, which is located in Union Square at the State Capitol, was defaced with the words "Black Lives Matter," while at The Lincoln upscale apartment building on Hargett Street, the message was about gentrification.

State Capitol Police said they were reviewing security camera footage and said they were searching for two people in connection with the Confederate monument vandalism, which occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m.

"It’s just a matter of time before the suspects are identified," State Capitol Police Maj. Anthony Moss said in a statement. "Vandalism of state property of any kind will not be tolerated."

“Vandalism and the destruction of property is not free speech,” Gov. Pat McCrory said in a statement. “One does not change the hearts and minds of others by damaging public monuments or private property.”

Local residents also were disturbed by the vandalism.

"That monument was put there for a reason – to honor somebody – and they need to respect that," said Cooper Nunnery.

Johnny Mitchell suggested that the vandals had misdirected their efforts.

"The Legislative Building is a couple blocks over. If you have a problem, that's the place you go," he said.

Tuesday's attacks are the latest on Confederate monuments in the wake of the shootings of nine blacks in a Charleston, S.C., church by a man pictured with white supremacist and Confederate memorabilia.

"I'm sorry to see how polarized we're becoming," Mary Warren, of Raleigh, said. "Black lives matter, but all lives matter."

Richard EskridgeJul 22, 2015

Admittedly, I did not read your references simply because I have no desire.... I think you may have misread something.I was trying to be complimentary. Also, I do not have facts. I thought this was a online forum, not a courtroom. I and everyone else here have an opinion, not an argument, an opinion. The links I posted are certainly debatable except for the one from the General Assembly. If I am wrong with something somewhere, you have my apologies. My memory isn't what it used to be.

Belle BoydJul 22, 2015

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can't wait for them to be caught. it won't be long. I hope they get punished to the fullest!

— Posted by Angie Cox

they won't find them..they won't even try to.

Angie CoxJul 22, 2015

can't wait for them to be caught. it won't be long. I hope they get punished to the fullest!

Belle BoydJul 22, 2015

View quoted thread

What is vandalism to one person is free speech to another.

— Posted by Walter Smirth

Vandalism is a crime. Free speech does not include defacing property. Do it a more constructive way, like making signs and holding a rally. All they are doing is making themselves look like dummies and costing us thousands of dollars to fix it.

Walter SmirthJul 22, 2015

What is vandalism to one person is free speech to another.

Dunkin BarnesJul 21, 2015

While we bicker over pieces of granite monuments the muslim extremists will destroy America. Wake up!

Dati PembyJul 21, 2015

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yeah, but if the racists get any more ignorant, they will barely be able to walk.....unlikely to hurt anyone but themselves.

— Posted by Christopher Owens

And maybe the other racists will also be unable to deface any more monuments. Win win for us all.

Dunkin BarnesJul 21, 2015

show us the camera video of the perps so the public can help identify them

Lowrance InfomJul 21, 2015

You do not let state workers handle graffiti removal. Six guys standing around watching once guy scrub with blue paper towels and water. (it would appear)They should have hired a professional power washing company that specializes in graffiti removal do it the right way. Probably cheaper to.

Christopher OwensJul 21, 2015

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No threat, no racism. Thats all in your head.

BLM ignorance will eventually be met with equal or greater ignorance. That's all. And the BLMers won't be able to play the victim card; they're the ones stoking the flames with illegal actions.

— Posted by Dati Pemby

yeah, but if the racists get any more ignorant, they will barely be able to walk.....unlikely to hurt anyone but themselves.